US8967173B2 - System and methods for ground-based cabin/cargo pressurization/depressurization - Google Patents

System and methods for ground-based cabin/cargo pressurization/depressurization Download PDF

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Publication number
US8967173B2
US8967173B2 US13/217,203 US201113217203A US8967173B2 US 8967173 B2 US8967173 B2 US 8967173B2 US 201113217203 A US201113217203 A US 201113217203A US 8967173 B2 US8967173 B2 US 8967173B2
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Prior art keywords
condensation chamber
steam
pressure
enclosed volume
air
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US20130052615A1 (en
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Chao-Hsin Lin
Raymond H. Horstman
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Boeing Co
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Boeing Co
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    • B64F5/0045—
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F5/00—Designing, manufacturing, assembling, cleaning, maintaining or repairing aircraft, not otherwise provided for; Handling, transporting, testing or inspecting aircraft components, not otherwise provided for
    • B64F5/60—Testing or inspecting aircraft components or systems
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
    • Y02T50/90—
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/0318—Processes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/0318—Processes
    • Y10T137/0396—Involving pressure control
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/2931—Diverse fluid containing pressure systems

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to fluid pressure simulation in enclosed volumes. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to ground-based pressure chambers that simulate cabin or cargo pressurization/depressurization cycles during operation conditions.
  • Cabin pressure during cruise for some airplanes may be, for example but without limitation, 6000 ft. or 8000 ft. above sea level.
  • a ground-based mock-up of a section of a cabin may be built to test, design and optimize, for example, air diffusers even though air density at sea level is substantially different from that in an altitude at 6000 ft, 8000 ft, or 10000 ft.
  • An effect of ambient pressure on air flow patterns in cabins and cargo holds are significant. Therefore, optimized in-cabin air flow pattern based on the ground-based mock-up tests may not perform the same as in flight testing during a cruise stage.
  • An altitude chamber for testing some aircraft may be too small to accommodate a full-scale cabin mock-up, and thus cannot be adequately applicable to a small scale cabin model with scaled down air diffusers.
  • a database needs to be built for high altitude/depressurized conditions to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. Due to lack of such a data set, one may need to compromise accuracy of engineering analysis particularly by using likely unrealistic ground data to extrapolate for airplanes at high altitude conditions. It is very costly to have an altitude chamber which can be used for a section of a full scale cabin or cargo compartment mock-up due to energy consumption for such a facility. There are currently only a few such facilities in the world.
  • a system and methods for reducing pressure in an enclosed volume such as a pressure chamber are disclosed.
  • a first quantity of steam is inserted into a condensation chamber expelling any air present within the condensation chamber, and the first quantity of steam is substantially condensed in the condensation chamber.
  • a first quantity of air is extracted from an enclosed volume into the condensation chamber.
  • embodiments of disclosure provide a design of a full-scale ground-based environmentally friendly and low-energy consumption altitude (pressurization/depressurization) chamber for cabin environment control system evaluation and material testing under realistic flight conditions.
  • pressurization/depressurization low-energy consumption altitude
  • a method for reducing pressure in an enclosed volume inserts a first quantity of steam into a condensation chamber. The method further condenses substantially the first quantity of steam in the condensation chamber, and extracts a first quantity of air from an enclosed volume into the condensation chamber.
  • a pressure simulation system comprises a condensation chamber, a condenser, and an airflow valve.
  • the condensation chamber is operable to receive a first quantity of steam
  • a condenser is operable to condense the first quantity of steam such that a vapor-to-liquid phase change reduces a pressure in the condensation chamber to provide a reduced pressure.
  • the airflow valve is operable to open in response to the reduced pressure such that air flows into the condensation chamber.
  • a method for simulating pressure differentials using a pressure simulator pressurizes an enclosed volume to a desired pressurization.
  • the method further reduces a pressure in a condensation chamber by condensing a vapor into a liquid, and depressurizes the enclosed volume to a desired depressurization by extracting air from the enclosed volume into the condensation chamber.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary functional block diagram of a ground-based cabin pressurization/depressurization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary pressure simulation system showing the system in FIG. 1 in more detail according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing an enclosed volume pressure reduction process according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing a ground-based cabin pressure simulation process according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Embodiments of the disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques and components related to pressure simulation techniques, steam plants, pressure regulators, ducting systems, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a variety of structural bodies, and that the embodiments described herein are merely example embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in the context of a practical non-limiting application, namely, an aircraft cabin/cargo pressure simulation chamber. Embodiments of the disclosure, however, are not limited to such aircraft cabin/cargo applications, and the techniques described herein may also be utilized in other applications. For example but without limitation, embodiments may be applicable to a train tunnel pressure chamber, a pressure simulation chamber, simulation of truck cargo pressure, bus cabin/cargo pressure, simulation of train cabin/cargo pressure, simulation of ship cabin/cargo pressure, simulation of submarine cabin/cargo pressure chamber, a spacecraft cabin, and a spacecraft cargo hold.
  • Embodiments of the disclosure solve this problem by extracting air from an enclosed volume by cooling a vapor. Thereby providing a ground-based test facility which is able to conduct realistic testing for airplane fire/smoke protection and cabin environment under low pressure conditions.
  • embodiments of the disclosure provide an accurate, low-cost, full-scale, energy-saving, and environmental friendly test facility to develop/optimize the air distribution system under the realistic cabin pressurization/depressurization cycles during flights and to study the effect of altitude on human thermal comfort and other factors that may affect the health and well-being of the flying passengers and crew as well as enhance safety.
  • the cabin pressurization/depressurization facility described herein can be used in high speed rail development around the world.
  • the current world record of speed for high speed train is about 450 km/hr.
  • Increasing a top speed to 1000 km/hr has been considered, however, drag and noise from pressure changes from entering and exiting tunnels may require mitigation. Therefore, testing and/or operating a high speed train in an enclosed tunnel under lower pressure (e.g., to reduce drag and noise of the high speed train) would enable more efficient operation.
  • a technology for depressurizing an enclosed tunnel with low energy consumption may be useful.
  • Embodiments of the disclosure provide viable means for testing and/or operating such high speed trains and other vehicles in an enclosed tunnel.
  • embodiments of disclosure provide accurate, low-cost, full-scale, energy-saving, and environmental friendly test facility to develop/optimize the air distribution system for commercial/military aircraft under the realistic cabin pressurization/depressurization cycles during flights and to study the effect of altitude on human thermal comfort and other factors that may affect the health and well-being of the flying passengers and crew.
  • Embodiments of the disclosure apply an application of heat transfer of phase change to control the pressure changes in an enclosed volume on ground-level to realistically simulate an altitude effect of pressure in cabins.
  • a working fluid may be air and water which are environmentally friendly and recyclable.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary functional block diagram of a ground-based cabin pressurization/depressurization system 100 (system 100 ) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the system 100 may comprise, an enclosed volume 104 , a steam generator 108 , a plurality of condensation chambers 110 to 122 comprising a plurality of condensers 130 (e.g., a heat exchanger), a coolant supply source 118 , an airflow valve 120 (e.g., an air solenoid valve), a steam valve 126 (e.g., a solenoid valve), and a controller 124 .
  • the enclosed volume 104 may comprise, for example but without limitation, a pressure chamber.
  • Air 102 enters the enclosed volume 104 at a reference air pressure.
  • the reference air pressure may comprise, for example but without limitation, a ground level reference air pressure, a simulated take-off altitude air pressure, and a simulated initial flight altitude air pressure.
  • the reference air pressure may be provided by, for example but without limitation, pumping air, and regulating a local altitude pressure. Pumping air may be necessary if the local altitude pressure is lower than a desired reference pressure.
  • Saturated steam 106 (steam 106 ) from the steam generator 108 enters a plurality of condensation chambers 110 to 122 at a rate that matches an airflow requirement of the air 102 .
  • the steam valve 126 is opened to allow the steam 106 to flow into one or more of the condensation chambers 110 to 122 .
  • the condensation chambers 110 to 122 may comprise, for example, condensation chambers 1 -N, where N is an integer.
  • the number N can be any number greater than or equal to one.
  • the number N may be chosen based on, for example but without limitation, a flow rate control, a condensation chamber cost, and an energy use (e.g., few large chambers may use less energy).
  • the condensers 130 reduce a temperature in the condensation chambers 110 and 122 by condensing the saturated steam 106 into water.
  • the temperature in the condensation chambers 110 and 122 may be reduced from about 100° C. to about 50° C., and from about 95.5° C. to about 40° C.
  • changing the steam 106 to water reduces a pressure inside the condensation chamber 110 and/or the condensation chamber 122 to a lower pressure than that in the enclosed volume 104 such that the air 102 can flow into the condensation chamber 110 and/or the condensation chamber 122 .
  • the condensers 130 in the condensation chambers 110 to 122 may comprise, for example but without limitation, a heat exchanger, a liquid nitrogen coolant received from a coolant supply source 118 , and a cold water spray received from the coolant supply source 118 .
  • the controller 124 detects the lower pressure in the condensation chamber 110 and/or the condensation chamber 122 and opens an airflow valve 120 accordingly to allow the air 102 to flow to the condensation chamber 110 and/or various combinations of the condensation chamber 110 through the condensation chamber 122 , thereby depressurizing the enclosed volume 104 to a desired pressure.
  • the air 102 flows alternately into the condensation chambers 110 through 122 .
  • the condensation chamber 110 begins to be filed with the steam 106 , while the condensation chamber 122 is already filled with the steam 106 and begins to receive the air 102 .
  • the respective airflow valve 120 shuts off.
  • the condensation chamber 110 is filled by the steam 106 and begins to receive the air 102 .
  • Excess steam, air and or water may exit from at least one outlet such as an outlet 128 to stabilize possible pressure fluctuations in the condensation chambers 110 and 122 .
  • the enclosed volume 104 may be pressurized via, for example but without limitation, an air pump (not shown), a regulated flow from a local air pressure, and a bottled air pressure. In this manner, a depressurization/pressurization cycle that emulates the in-cabin pressure variation during a flight's climbing-cruising-descending profile is simulated.
  • the enclosed volume 104 may comprise, for example but without limitation, a truck cargo pressure chamber, a bus cabin/cargo pressure chamber, a train cabin/cargo pressure chamber, a ship cabin/cargo pressure chamber, a submarine cabin/cargo pressure chamber, and a train tunnel pressure chamber.
  • FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary pressure simulation system 200 (system 200 ) showing the system 100 in more detail according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the system 200 may comprise the enclosed volume 104 , the steam generator 108 , the condensation chambers 110 and 122 , the condensers 130 , the coolant supply source 118 , the airflow valve 120 , the steam valve 126 , a plurality of thermometers T 224 , a plurality of pressure meters P 226 , and a plurality of flow rate meters Q 228 .
  • the system 200 may have functions, material, and structures that are similar to the system 100 . Therefore common features, functions, and elements may not be redundantly described here.
  • the enclosed volume 104 is coupled to an input valve 202 and the airflow valve 120 .
  • the airflow valve 120 comprises a pressure chamber output valve 204 , a first airflow valve 112 , and a second airflow valve 114 .
  • the enclosed volume 104 draws the air 102 when the input valve 202 is opened.
  • the air 102 is then pulled out or released from the enclosed volume 104 into the airflow valve 120 to provide a reduced pressure in the enclosed volume 104 .
  • the air 102 then flows alternately through respective air duct 206 and the air duct 216 to the condensation chambers 110 and 122 when the first airflow valve 112 and a second airflow valve 114 are open respectively.
  • the enclosed volume 104 then contains a reduced air pressure that has its pressure reduced from the reference air pressure.
  • An air conditioning means 214 may be coupled to the enclosed volume 104 to reduce a temperature of the air 102 therein.
  • the airflow valve 120 between the enclosed volume 104 and the condensation chambers 110 and 122 opens the first airflow valve 112 , and the second airflow valve 114 to allow the air 102 in the enclosed volume 104 to be drawn alternately into the condensation chambers 110 to 122 respectively based on respective pressure in the condensation chambers 110 and 122 .
  • the steam valve 126 closes to block a first steam flow of a first quantity of the steam 106 into the condensation chamber 110 .
  • the first airflow valve 112 then opens to allow an airflow of a first quantity of the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 into the condensation chamber 110 .
  • the first airflow valve 112 then closes to block the flow of the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 into the condensation chamber 110 .
  • the steam valve 126 then opens to allow a second steam flow of a second quantity of the steam 106 into the condensation chamber 122 .
  • Additional airflow valves 120 comprising the first airflow valve 112 , and the second airflow valve 114 may be coupled to the enclosed volume 104 to open such that the air 102 flows from the enclosed volume 104 into additional condensation chambers respectively.
  • the steam valve 126 is coupled to the condensation chambers 110 and 122 and is operable to regulate a quantity of the steam 106 received by the condensation chambers 110 and 122 .
  • the steam valve 126 controls flow of the steam 106 to the condensation chambers 110 and 122 alternately.
  • Each of the condensation chambers 110 to 122 is operable to receive the steam 106 and extract the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 alternately.
  • the condensation chamber 110 may begin to be filed with the steam 106 , while the condensation chamber 122 is already filled with a first quality of the steam 106 .
  • the condensation chamber 122 begins to substantially condense the first quantity of the steam 106 in the condensation chamber 122 , and extracts the first quantity of the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 into the condensation chamber 122 .
  • the second airflow valve 114 shuts off.
  • the condensation chamber 110 is filled by the second quantity of the steam 106 and begins to receive the second quantity of the air 102 . In this manner, the flow of the air 102 is alternated between the condensation chamber 110 and the condensation chamber 122 until a desired depressurization is obtained in the enclosed volume 104 .
  • Additional quantities of the steam 106 can be inserted into additional condensation chambers respectively and be substantially condensed in each of the additional condensation chambers respectively. In this manner, additional quantity of the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 can be extracted into the additional condensation chambers respectively. Thus, the air 102 can be alternated between the additional condensation chambers until a desired depressurization is obtained in the enclosed volume 104 .
  • Excess water and steam/air may exit from a water outlet 216 and a steam/air outlet 218 respectively to stabilize possible pressure fluctuations in the condensation chambers 110 through 122 .
  • the first quantity of the air 102 from the condensation chamber 110 is substantially expelled from the steam/air outlet 218 during the second steam flow.
  • the condensers 130 are operable to condense the steam 106 such that a vapor-to-liquid phase change reduces a pressure in the condensation chambers 110 and 122 . Additional condensers 130 may be used to condense additional quantity of the steam 106 such that a vapor-to-liquid phase change reduces a pressure in the additional condensation chambers.
  • the embodiment in FIG. 2 shows two condensation chambers 110 and 122 , but any number of additional condensation chambers may be used to obtain the required pressure in the enclosed volume 104 .
  • the steam generator 108 generates the steam 106 at temperatures such as, for example but without limitation, about 100° C. and about 95.5° C. (e.g., at about 1400 m).
  • the coolant supply source 118 provides the coolant 116 through a coolant duct 208 to each of the condensers 130 in the condensation chambers 110 and 122 .
  • the steam 106 is then cooled down by the condensers 130 .
  • the coolant 116 may comprise, for example but without limitation, liquid nitrogen from a liquid nitrogen source as illustrated in FIG. 2 , and a cold water spray.
  • the controller 124 comprises a processor module 220 , and a memory module 222 .
  • the controller 124 is operable to control the airflow valves 120 between the enclosed volume 104 and the condensation chambers 110 and 122 , to allow the air 102 in the enclosed volume 104 be drawn to the condensation chambers 110 and 122 alternately.
  • the controller 124 detects a high pressure in the condensation chamber 110 and opens the second airflow valve 114 such that the air 102 can begin flowing to the condensation chamber 122 which is already filled with the steam 106 .
  • the condensation chamber 122 is filled with the air 102 , the second airflow valve 114 shuts off.
  • the condensation chamber 110 is filled by the steam 106 and the controller 124 detects a low pressure in the condensation chamber 110 and opens the first airflow valve 112 such that the air 102 can begin flowing to the condensation chamber 110 which is now filled with the steam 106 .
  • the condensation chambers 110 and 122 alternately receive the air 102 until the required pressure in the enclosed volume 104 is obtained.
  • the processor module 220 comprises processing logic that is configured to carry out the functions, techniques, and processing tasks associated with the operation of the systems 100 - 200 .
  • the processing logic is configured to support the systems 100 - 200 described herein.
  • the processor module 220 may direct the steam valve 126 to alternate the flow of the steam 106 from the steam generator 108 to the condensation chambers 110 to 122 based on a pressure in the enclosed volume 104 .
  • the processor module 220 may direct the first airflow valve 112 and the second airflow valve 114 of the airflow valve 120 to alternate flow of the air 102 between the condensation chambers 110 and 122 based on the pressure in the condensation chambers 110 and 122 .
  • the processor module 220 may be implemented, or realized, with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein.
  • a processor may be realized as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or the like.
  • a processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.
  • the memory module 222 may comprise a data storage area with memory formatted to support the operation of the systems 100 - 200 .
  • the memory module 222 is configured to store, maintain, and provide data as needed to support the functionality of the system 100 - 200 .
  • the memory module 222 may store a database, a temperature database, a temperature altitude database, an operational control data, and flight configuration data.
  • the memory module 222 may comprise, for example but without limitation, a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile semiconductor memory, hard disk device, optical disk device), a random access storage device (for example, SRAM, DRAM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art.
  • a non-volatile storage device non-volatile semiconductor memory, hard disk device, optical disk device
  • a random access storage device for example, SRAM, DRAM
  • the memory module 222 may be coupled to the processor module 220 and configured to store, for example but without limitation, a database, a temperature database, a temperature altitude database, an operational control data, and flight configuration data. Additionally, the memory module 222 may represent a dynamically updating database containing a table for updating the database, and the like. The memory module 222 may also store, a computer program that is executed by the processor module 220 , an operating system, an application program, tentative data used in executing a program, and the like.
  • the memory module 222 may be coupled to the processor module 220 such that the processor module 220 can read information from and write information to the memory module 222 .
  • the processor module 220 may access the memory module 222 to access the aircraft speed, flight control surface positions, an angle of attack, a Mach number, and an altitude.
  • the processor module 220 and memory module 222 may reside in respective application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
  • the memory module 222 may also be integrated into the processor module 220 .
  • the memory module 222 may comprise a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor module 220 .
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing an enclosed volume pressure reduction process 300 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the various tasks performed in connection with the process 300 may be performed mechanically, by software, hardware, firmware, a computer-readable medium having computer executable instructions for performing the processes methods, or any combination thereof.
  • process 300 may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasks shown in FIG. 3 need not be performed in the illustrated order, and the process 300 may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality not described in detail herein.
  • the following description of the process 300 may refer to elements mentioned above in connection with FIGS. 1-2 .
  • portions of the process 300 may be performed by different elements of the systems 100 - 200 such as: the enclosed volume 104 , the steam generator 108 , the condensation chambers 110 to 122 , the coolant supply source 118 , the airflow valves 120 , the steam valves 126 , etc.
  • Process 300 may have functions, material, and structures that are similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-2 . Therefore, common features, functions, and elements may not be redundantly described here.
  • Process 300 may begin by inserting a first quantity of the steam 106 into a condensation chamber such as the condensation chamber 110 (task 302 ).
  • Process 300 may continue by condensing substantially the first quantity of the steam 106 in the condensation chamber 110 (task 304 ).
  • the first quantity of the steam 106 may be cooled, for example but without limitation, from about 100° C. to about 50° C. Based on energy balance, a total enthalpy difference of the steam 106 at about 100° C. to that at about 50° C. can be obtained to determine an amount of the heat that needs to be removed.
  • Process 300 may then continue by extracting a first quantity of the air 102 from an enclosed volume such as the enclosed volume 104 into the condensation chamber 110 (task 306 ).
  • a second airflow valve such as the second airflow valve 114 opens to allow an airflow of the first quantity of the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 into the condensation chamber 110 .
  • Process 300 may then continue by substantially expelling the first quantity of the air 102 from the condensation chamber 110 during an insertion of a second quantity of the steam 106 into the condensation chamber 110 (task 308 ).
  • Quantities of the steam 106 such as the first quantity of the steam 106 and the second quantity of the steam 106 are repeatedly inserted into the condensation chamber 110 and condensed by tasks 302 through 306 .
  • Process 300 may then continue by substantially filling the condensation chamber 110 with the first quantity of the steam 106 (task 310 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by closing a first steam valve such as the first steam valve 126 to block a first steam flow of the first quantity of the steam 106 into the condensation chamber 110 (task 312 ).
  • a first steam valve such as the first steam valve 126 to block a first steam flow of the first quantity of the steam 106 into the condensation chamber 110 (task 312 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by opening an airflow valve such as the first airflow valve 112 ( FIG. 2 ) to allow an airflow of the first quantity of the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 into the condensation chamber 110 (task 314 ).
  • an airflow valve such as the first airflow valve 112 ( FIG. 2 ) to allow an airflow of the first quantity of the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 into the condensation chamber 110 (task 314 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by closing the airflow valve 112 to block the airflow from the enclosed volume 104 into the condensation chamber 110 (task 316 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by opening the first steam valve 126 to allow a second steam flow of a second quantity of the steam 106 into the condensation chamber 110 (task 318 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by substantially expelling the first quantity of the air 102 from the condensation chamber 122 during the second steam flow (task 320 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by inserting at least one additional quantity of the steam 106 into at least one additional condensation chamber such as the condensation chamber 122 (task 322 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by substantially condensing the at least one additional quantity of the steam 106 into the additional condensation chamber 122 (task 324 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by extracting at least one additional quantity of the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 into the additional condensation chamber 122 (task 326 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by extracting the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 alternately into the condensation chamber 110 and into the additional condensation chamber 122 (task 328 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by extracting the air 102 from the enclosed volume 104 until a desired pressure is reached in the enclosed volume 104 (task 330 ).
  • Process 300 may then continue by extracting condensation water from the condensation chamber 110 (task 332 ).
  • FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing a ground-based cabin pressure simulation process 400 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the various tasks performed in connection with process 400 may be performed mechanically, by software, hardware, firmware, a computer-readable medium having computer executable instructions for performing the processes methods, or any combination thereof.
  • process 400 may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasks shown in FIG. 4 need not be performed in the illustrated order, and the process 400 may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality not described in detail herein.
  • the following description of the process 400 may refer to elements mentioned above in connection with FIGS. 1-2 .
  • portions of the process 400 may be performed by different elements of the systems 100 - 200 such as: the enclosed volume 104 , the steam generator 108 , the condensation chambers 110 to 122 , the coolant supply source 118 , the airflow valves 120 , the steam valves 126 , etc.
  • Process 400 may have functions, material, and structures that are similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-2 . Therefore common features, functions, and elements may not be redundantly described here.
  • Process 400 may begin by pressurizing an enclosed volume such as the enclosed volume 104 to a desired pressurization (task 402 ).
  • the desired pressurization may simulate a pressure profile such as, for example but without limitation, an approach flight condition, a landing flight condition, a high speed train operation condition, and a vehicle operation condition.
  • the desired pressurization may comprise, for example but without limitation, a ground level reference air pressure, a simulated take-off altitude air pressure, and a simulated initial flight altitude air pressure.
  • the desired pressurization may be provided by, for example but without limitation, pumping air, and regulating a local altitude pressure. Pumping air may be necessary if the local altitude pressure is lower than the desired pressurization.
  • Process 400 may continue by reducing a pressure in a condensation chamber such as the condensation chamber 112 by condensing a vapor into a liquid (task 404 ).
  • Process 400 may continue by depressurizing the enclosed volume 104 to a desired depressurization by extracting air from the enclosed volume 104 into the condensation chamber 112 (task 406 ).
  • the desired depressurization may simulate a pressure profile such as, for example but without limitation, a takeoff flight condition, and a cruise flight condition profile.
  • the desired depressurization may comprise, for example but without limitation, a takeoff altitude air pressure, a simulated cruise altitude air pressure, and a simulated flight altitude air pressure.
  • Process 400 may then continue by pumping air to the enclosed volume 104 to pressurize the enclosed volume 104 to the desired pressurization (task 408 ).
  • Process 400 may then continue by enclosing an object in the enclosed volume 104 (task 410 ).
  • the object may comprise, for example but without limitation, a vehicle, and a portion of the vehicle.
  • the portion of the vehicle may comprise, for example but without limitation, a vehicle cabin, a vehicle cargo hold, a vehicle hull, such as an aircraft cabin, an aircraft cargo hold, a spacecraft cabin, a spacecraft cargo hold, a truck cargo box, a bus cabin, a bus cargo box, a train, a train cabin, a train cargo hold, a ship cabin, a ship cargo hold, and a submarine hull.
  • FIGS. 1-2 depict example arrangements of elements, additional intervening elements, devices, features, or components may be present in an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • operble means able to be used, fit or ready for use or service, usable for a specific purpose, and capable of performing a recited or desired function described herein.
  • operble means the system and/or the device is fully functional and calibrated, comprises elements for, and meets applicable operability requirements to perform a recited function when activated.
  • operble means the system and/or the circuit is fully functional and calibrated, comprises logic for, and meets applicable operability requirements to perform a recited function when activated.

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  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Testing Of Devices, Machine Parts, Or Other Structures Thereof (AREA)
  • Investigation Of Foundation Soil And Reinforcement Of Foundation Soil By Compacting Or Drainage (AREA)
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US11225954B2 (en) * 2016-06-09 2022-01-18 New Jersey Institute Of Technology System and method for multi-level vacuum generation and storage

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CN104077943B (zh) * 2014-07-08 2016-05-04 浙江大学 一种深低温冷凝换热过程的可视化实验装置
CN104091036B (zh) * 2014-07-31 2017-02-08 中国船舶重工集团公司第七一九研究所 一种自然循环蒸汽发生器的热传导建模与计算方法
CN105857639B (zh) * 2016-06-23 2017-09-29 沈阳黎明航空零部件制造有限公司 修复飞机作动筒筒体密封槽处微弧氧化膜层渗油的方法
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CN113345310B (zh) * 2021-05-26 2022-12-13 武汉理工大学 船舶燃燃联合动力推进装置模拟试验台

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